Richard Watson is a distinguished futurist and prolific author whose insights into emerging trends and innovation have earned him global acclaim. With decades of experience in analysing the digital age, he captivates audiences with his visionary storytelling and incisive analysis. His talks bring clarity to complex subjects and inspire corporate leaders to think about emerging technologies, AI, energy and robotics. Richard’s dynamic presentations merge deep research with creative foresight, making him an influential voice on the future of technology and society.
Richard’s early career laid a strong foundation for his future achievements. With an academic background in politics, philosophy and economics from The University of York, Richard co-founded GDR Creative Intelligence in 1992 and later became Managing Director at Global Innovation Network, Ltd., an early innovation consultancy. Richard is dedicated to helping organisations think about emerging technologies, opportunities and risks and in 2004, he launched nowandnext.com, a pioneering platform that shares his insights on emerging trends. These early experiences shaped his visionary perspective.
Richard is the former Futurist-in-Residence at Cambridge Judge Business School and Imperial College London, underlining his status as a leading futurist. A talented and sought-after speaker who has given over 400 talks to organisations worldwide, Richard is also a prolific author whose books delve into the complexities of futurism breaking them down into fascinating insights about the future.
Richard’s career exemplifies the transformative power of forward-thinking and strategic foresight, and he continues to empower organisations to navigate emerging opportunities and challenges with confidence. His unique blend of academic rigour, innovative vision, and practical experience makes him an indispensable resource for leaders across sectors. Organisations hire him because he not only anticipates future trends but also provides actionable insights that drive growth and inspire lasting change. His expertise consistently transforms challenges into strategic opportunities, remarkably effective, truly inspiring.
